Screw cap retainer



1931- c. CZAJKOWSKI ,3

SCREW CAP RETKINBR Filed Sept; 26, 1930 Invenlor I q I By v Allomeg Patented Dec. 8, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SCREW CA]? RETAINER Application filed September 26, 1930. Serial No. 484,667.

, This invention relates to an auxiliary structural feature embodied in the cap construction of a collapsible tube such as is employed for containing paste, creams and analogous u saponaceous materials.

As generally marketed, containers of this variet are in the nature of an elongated compressi le tube having a screw-threaded discharge nipple or neck at one end and a rimequipped screw-cap for detachable association with the neck. It is a matter of common knowledge that the cap is bodily removable and it is frequently lost or misplaced.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a means for permanently connecting the cap to the neck to avoid accidental misplacement of said cap.

In carrying the inventive conception into practice, have provided a retainer characterized by exceeding simplicity and economy in construction and susceptible of affording a swivel elastic connection between the cap and the discharge neck.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of a collapsible tube and cap embodying the improved cap retainer as designed in accordance with my inventive conception.

Figure 2 is a sectional view showing, in dotted lines, the open retained position of the cap.

Figure 3 is a detail view of the retainer r se.

The collapsible tube 4 is of conventional construction and includes a frusto-conical end 5 having a conventional screw-threaded discharge nipple 6. The cap is indicated at 7 and includes a gasket 8 and a fingergrip or ring 9. The improved retainer is generally designated by the numeral 10 and is formed from a single length of wire which is bent upon itself at one end to form an annular resilient clip 11. This is sufficiently resilient to permit it to be snapped around the base portion of the neck 6 as shown in Figure 2.

The free end portion 12 is bent into substantial parallelism to the intermediate portion 13 and fastened in .the rim portion of the 59 cap as shown in Figure 2. The part between spring 14 comes into the portions 12 and 13 is fashioned to provide a coiled spring 14.

Vvith this arrangement,'it is obvious that the cap and the fastener 10 rotate as a unit when removing or applying the cap 7. When the cap is disconnected from the threads the play to automatically swing it out from the dotted line position shown in Figure 2 where it is held conveniently out of the way of the discharge end so of the neck. It is an easy matter, however, to return the cap to its fastened position.

With this arrangement, the spring Wire fastener is formed as an integral part of the cap and the annular ring or clip 11 is simply snapped around the neck so as to afford the desired swivel connection between the retainer and the cap as shown in the drawings.

The device embodies features of surpassing merit. There are no sharp points or wire- 71 ends to stick into the fingers of the user or to become caught illtlle clothing. The device performs an unequalled achievement in swivelly connecting the cap with the neck so as to allow easy manipulation of the cap, 75

The retainer is thoroughly practical and the structural features are systematically arranged to permit it to fulfill the requirements of a device 'of this class in a highly satisfactory manner.

To open the cap, in Figure 2, simply unscrew the cap in the usual way, thus turning the retainer 9 around the neck as a unit with the cap. As the cap is completely unscrewed, it is automatically swung out to an out-of-thcway position as indicated in dotted lines. To screw the cap back, simply bend the wireend 12 overagain and replace the cap as under ordinary conditions. It will be seen that the retainer does not interfere with either the opening or closing operation, but constitutes an added feature of unusual importance.

It is thought that persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention after considering the description in connection with the drawings. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes 'in shape, size,and rearrangement of etails comin within the field of invention claimed may resorted to in actual practice if desired. 5 'I claim:

In combination with a tube having a threaded neck and a cap threaded on the neck and having an enlarged rim provided with an opening passing out through a. part of the l periphery of the rim, a wire bent intermediate its ends to form a coil, with leg portions extending from the coil, one leg portion fitting in the opening in the rim and the ex tremity of the other leg portion being bent l to form a snap ring for rotatably engaging the neck of the tube. V

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CLEMENS CZAJKOWSKI. 

